2015 is almost over. I guess this is one of my more experimental posts, but I can honestly say the "no diet plan" works for me in terms of getting leaner and healthier. As always, consult a doctor before changing diet or exercise.
For me diet and exercise are always put the wrong way around. Personally, I wouldn't even think of a dietary change as a first step. Why? I'll tell you.
If I walk about 2 hours a day for several weeks I start to feel healthier and my appetite starts to decline. Sure, I might eat two veggie burgers and a wholewheat pancake (with syrup) after a hike, but then I won't have much (if any) appetite for dinner, and so getting leaner just happens.
I also don't weigh myself unless necessary, I know by the fit of my clothes and my reflection in the mirror how I'm doing.
Before walking so much I would sit at home (stay at home mom/writer) and eat much more food, not always junk, but with a really pronounced sweet tooth. When I tried to diet I failed faster than anyone I know and then put on more than I'd lost. Yet the exercise first approach works very well for me.
The increase in exercise lets my body know that I need more nutrients: proteins, vitamins, minerals etc. From an evolutionary point of view the idea stands up very well. Here's how:
- Cave person gets injured and can't hunt anymore. They are then sitting around helping teach the kids. This means being colder more often, so time for some fat layers. Appetite increase and nutritional requirements change.
- A different person in the tribe is now required to join the hunting party but is heavier. Their body adjusts to help them get leaner. Fat is burnt, appetite decreases, desire for protein increases to build muscle.
As an ex-science teacher I know it is of course very far from any kind of proof! However it works for me. Exercise in some way that works for you. For me gentle exercise every day (hiking, up hills included) for 2 -3 hours does it, but not everyone has that amount of time. However, no matter how you choose to exercise, good luck. Your health is important not just to you personally, but to all those who love you now or will love you in the future. So take care of yourself, be the most healthy version of you that you can be.
Wishing you all every good thing in 2016 and beyond!
For me diet and exercise are always put the wrong way around. Personally, I wouldn't even think of a dietary change as a first step. Why? I'll tell you.
If I walk about 2 hours a day for several weeks I start to feel healthier and my appetite starts to decline. Sure, I might eat two veggie burgers and a wholewheat pancake (with syrup) after a hike, but then I won't have much (if any) appetite for dinner, and so getting leaner just happens.
I also don't weigh myself unless necessary, I know by the fit of my clothes and my reflection in the mirror how I'm doing.
Before walking so much I would sit at home (stay at home mom/writer) and eat much more food, not always junk, but with a really pronounced sweet tooth. When I tried to diet I failed faster than anyone I know and then put on more than I'd lost. Yet the exercise first approach works very well for me.
The increase in exercise lets my body know that I need more nutrients: proteins, vitamins, minerals etc. From an evolutionary point of view the idea stands up very well. Here's how:
- Cave person gets injured and can't hunt anymore. They are then sitting around helping teach the kids. This means being colder more often, so time for some fat layers. Appetite increase and nutritional requirements change.
- A different person in the tribe is now required to join the hunting party but is heavier. Their body adjusts to help them get leaner. Fat is burnt, appetite decreases, desire for protein increases to build muscle.
As an ex-science teacher I know it is of course very far from any kind of proof! However it works for me. Exercise in some way that works for you. For me gentle exercise every day (hiking, up hills included) for 2 -3 hours does it, but not everyone has that amount of time. However, no matter how you choose to exercise, good luck. Your health is important not just to you personally, but to all those who love you now or will love you in the future. So take care of yourself, be the most healthy version of you that you can be.
Wishing you all every good thing in 2016 and beyond!